■"^ 



P''^> 



0?- . o « o , '^^ ^-i 

V "^- o^° s. ' 






c*' 


















^^-^^^ 











^"■'t. 










^^-^t. *". 












c^^> 



THE 



jBefence of ^tonmgron 

7 . 



(CONNECTICUT) 



AGAINST A BRITISH SQUADRON, 



AUGUST 9TH TO I2TH, I 8 I 4. 



" Vixere fortes ante Agamemnona." 






HARTFORD: 
1864. 



L 3 5% 
. S?T6- 




ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE COPIES PRINTED. 
FOR PRIVATE DISTRIBUTION. 



;^2^, //.4^ 




CONTENTS. 



Introductory Note, . . . „^„-„ „ 

Record of the extraordinary Attack on Stonington, . • Q 

Names OF Volunteers, FROM THE Connecticut Gazette, , . 20 

Muster-roll of Capt. Wm. Potter's Company, . . . 22 
Account of the Attack, published by the Borough authorities, 24 

Letter from Capt. Amos Palmer to the Secretary of War, 33 

Extract from Gen. Root's Speech in Congress, 1817, . . 37 

The Battle of Stonington, by Philip Freneau, . , .38 

Celebrations OF the Anniversary, , ., 

Notes, 

47 




INTRODUCTORY NOTE. 



HE repulfe of a Britirti fquadron, at Ston- 
ington, by a few undifciplined volunteers, 
^'^ having only two effedlive guns, imperfe6lly 

proteded by a low earth-work, — and this repulfe 
accomplifhed without the lofs of a fingle life, — was 
not the leaft glorious achievement of the War ot 
1812-14. The fiftieth anniverfary of the adion is 
clofe at hand. Few who witnefied, — only three or four 
who participated in it, furvive. In this day of great 
events, when armies and navies are gathered on a fcale 
ofmagnitudeofwhich our fathers never dreamed, — when 
from the heights of modern fcience, we look back to 
the guns and the fhips of war of the laft generation, as 
to the toys of childhood, — when we are in the very 
crifis of a war greater in itfelf, and waged for a grander 
iffue, than the world has hitherto witnefTed, — it is not 
furprifing that fo few find leifure or inclination to look 



vi ■ IntrodiiBory Note. 

from the prefent to the part, or to recall to memory 

the heroifm of their fathers. 

Yet there are fome for whom the ftory of The Attack 
has not yet loft its intereft. They learned it in child- 
hood, from the lips of thofe who fliared the perils and 
the glory of the adion. They grew up, amid aflbcia- 
tions which could hardly fail to kindle an honeft pride 
in their birth-place. To them, the "Tenth of Auguft" 
was not merely a fchool-holiday, but an anniverfary 
entitled to equal honors with Independence Day itfelf. 
They have helped draw the "old Eighteens," through 
the ftreets of the Borough, in folemn procefTion to the 
fite of the demolifhed Battery. They have feen the 
cheriflied Flag — pierced and torn in a dozen places 
by the enemy';, fhot, — float again from the flag-ftaff, 
in honor of the day : and fome of them were ftanding 
by when " Old Hickory" bared his head to falute it, 
and bade the citizens preferve, with all care, this pre- 
vious memorial of the courage and patriotifm of their 
townfmen. 

It is for thefe — the companions of my own fchool- 
days, — and in honor of the volunteers of 1814, that 
I have reproduced fome of the contemporary accounts 
of the attack and defence of Stonington. The firft 
(pp. 9-20) was written by Col. Samuel Green, the pub- 



IntroduBory Note. vii 

lifher of the Conne5iicut Gazette, who vifited the Borough 
during the aftion, and obtained his knowledge of fafts of 
which he was not an eye-witnefs, from the aftors them- 
felves and from official fources. This account, printed 
in the Gazette, of Auguft 17th, was copied into many 
of the newfpapers in the northern ftates, and appeared 
in Niles's Weekly Regifter, November 5th, with fome 
additional particulars. 

Following this, are copies of the mufter-roll of the 
Borough company of militia ; the official account 
furniffied for publication by the magiftrates, warden 
and burgefles (pp. 24-32) ; and a letter from Capt. 
Amos Palmer, chairman of the citizens' committee of 
defence, to Mr. Crawford, fecretary of war, contain- 
ing a concife narrative of the adion. Philip Freneau's 
Battle of Stonington, — though not of the higheft order 
of lyric excellence, — challenges favorable comparifon 
with many of the loyal effufions which have found 
their way to the public, during the prefent war ; and 
will be welcomed as an old friend by fome who value 
patriotifm more than poetry. T. 

Hartford, Conn., July i^th, 1864. 



THE DEFENCE OF STONINGTON. 



[From the Conn. Gazette, Aug. 17th, 1814.] • 

Record of the Extraordinary Attack on Ston- 

INGTON.(') 

New London, August 17, 1814. 

PN Tuefday the 9th inftant, at 5 P. M. the 
Ramilies^ 74, Pa^olus, 38, a bomb ihip, and the 
Difpatch^ 11 gun brig, arrived off Stonington, 
^^and a flag was fent on fhore with the following 

" On board his Majejly s Shipy Rami lies y 
Stoning ton y Aug. 9. 
To the Magistrates of Stonington. 

Gentlemen — One hour is allowed you from the re- 
ceipt of this communication, for the removal of the 
unoffending inhabitants. 

THOMAS M. HARDY.(*) 



lo T^he Defence of Stonington. 

This notification was received by two magiftrates(3) 
and Lieutenant Hough of the drafted militia, who 
went off to meet the flag. The officer was afked whe- 
ther a flag would not be received on board. He faid 
no arrangements could be made. They inquired whe- 
ther Com. Hardy had determined to deftroy the town. 
He replied that fuch were his orders from the Admi- 
ral, and that it would be done mofl; effeftually. 

When the gentlemen reached the fliore, a crowd 
waited with great anxiety for the news ; which being 
fl:ated, confl:ernation flew through the town. An ex- 
prefs was defpatched to General Cu{hing,(4) at New 
London. A number of volunteers haftened to collect 
ammunition ; others ran to the battery, which confifted 
of two 18 pounders and a 4 pounder, on field carriages, 
with a flight breafl: work, 4 feet high. The fick and 
the aged were removed with hafte : the women and child- 
ren, with loud cries, were feen running in every di- 
reftion. Some of the moft valuable articles were haftily 
got off" by hand, others placed in the gardens and 
lots, or thrown into wells, to fave them from the im- 
pending conflagration. The fixty minutes expired, but 
the dreaded moment did not bring the attack. Nel- 
fon's favorite hero and friend was feized with the com- 
pundions of magnanimity ;• — he remembered what an- 
cient Britons were ; he remembered that fomething 
was due to the charader of Sir Thomas M. Hardy. 
Three hours in fad elapfed, when at 8 in the evening 
the attack was commenced by a difcharge of fhells from 



T^he Defence of Stonington. 1 1 

the bomb fhip. Several barges and launches had taken 
their ftations in different points, from whence they 
threw Congreve rockets, and carcafles. This mode 
of attack was continued inceflantly till midnight ; and 
the fire was returned occafionally from the battery, as 
the light of the rockets gave opportunity with any 
chance of fuccefs. 

The few drafted militia which had been fometime 
ftationed there, under command of Lieutenant Hough, 
were placed in the beft diredions to give an alarm in 
cafe a landing fhould be attempted. During the night 
the volunteers and militia had aflembled in considera- 
ble numbers ; and the non-combatant inhabitants had 
generally removed to the neighboring farm-houfes, in 
the momentary expedation of feeing their abandoned 
dwellings in flames. It was a night of inexpreffible 
anguifli to many a widow and orphan, to many aged 
and infirm, whofe little pittance they were now appa- 
rently to lofe forever. But Providence diredled other- 
wife. This compad; little village of loo buildings had 
been for four hours covered with flames of fire and 
bomb fhells, and not a fingle building was confumed 
nor a perfon injured. 

At the dawn of day on the loth, the approach of the 
enemy was announced by a difcharge of Congreve 
rockets from feveral barges and a launch, which had 
taken their ftation, on the eafl: fide of the town, and 
out of reach of the battery. Several volunteers, with 
fmall arms and the four pounder, hafliened acrofs the 



12 T^he Defence of Stonington. 

pbint, Tuppofing the enemy were attempting a landing. 
Colonel Randall of the 13th regiment, who at the time 
was moving towards the battery with a detachment of 
militia, ordered them to affift the volunteers in draw- 
ing over one of the 18 pounders to the extreme end of 
the point ; the fire of which in a few minutes compelled 
the barges to feek fafety in flight. During this time 
the brig was working up towards the Point, and foon 
after funrife came to anchor, fhort of half a mile from 
the battery, (or more corredly, the breafl;work). Our 
ammunition being foon exhaufled, the guns were fpiked, 
and the men who fought them, being only about 15 or 
20,(5) retired, leaving them behind for want of fl;rength 
to drag them off. 

The brig now continued deliberately to pour her 32 
pound fhot and grape into the Village, without our 
having the power of returning a fhot, for an hour, and 
the bomb ketch occafionally threw in fhells. A frefh 
fupply of ammunition being obtained, the 18 pounder 
was withdrawn from the breaflwork, the vent drilled, 
and the piece taken back again, when fuch an animated 
and well direded fire was kept up, that at 3 o'clock 
the brig flipped her cable and hauled off, with her 
pumps going, having received feveral fhots below her 
water line, and confiderable damage in her fpars, &c. 
During this aftion between the eighteen pounder and 
the brig, Mr. Frederick Denifon was flightly wounded 
in the knee,(^) by a fragment of a rock, and Mr. John 
Miner, badly burnt in his face by the premature dif- 



T^he Defence of Stonington. 13 

charge of the gun. The flag, which was nailed to the 
mafl, was pierced with feven Ihot holes,(7) the breaft- 
work fomewhat injured, and 6 or 8 of the dwelling- 
houfes in the vicinity eflentially injured. At this time 
a confiderable body of militia had arrived, and Briga- 
dier-General Ifham(8) had taken the command ; the in- 
habitants had recovered from the conflernation of the 
firft moments ; and were deliberately moving off their 
furniture and goods. At i o'clock the Ramilies and 
Padlolus had taken ftations about two and a half miles 
from the town, when refiftance appearing hopelefs, the 
Magiftrates as a lafl refort applied to the General for 
permiflion to fend a flag off, being impreffed with the 
opinion that there must exifl: fome latent caufe of a 
peculiar nature to induce a commander who had here- 
tofore difl;inguiflied himfelf for a fcrupulous regard 
to the claims of honorable warfare, — to induce him to 
commit an ad fo repugnant to found policy, fo abhor- 
rent to his nature, fo flagrant an outrage on humanity. 
The General, we underfl:and, would not fandion, nor 
did he abfolutely prohibit, a flag being fent. They, 
therefore, on their own refponflbility, fent on board 
the Ramilies, Ifaac Williams and Wm. Lord, Efquires, 
with the following letter. 



14 The Defence of Stonington. 

Copy.) Stonington Augujl lo, 1814. 

To Sir Thomas M. Hardy, 

Sir — Agreeable to notice received from you yefter- 
day, this town is now cleared of " unoffending inha- 
bitants," and they feeling anxious about the fate of their 
village, are defirous to know from you, your deter- 
mination refpeding it. Yours, &c. 

Amos Denijon, Burgess. 

William Lord^ Magistrate. 

The deputation proceeded on board the Ramilies, 
and fhortly after an officer informed the boatmen that 
they might return to the fhore, as the gentlemen would 
be landed in a boat from the (hip ; and that Captain 
Hardy had declared that no further hoftilities would 
be committed againft the town. After remaining on 
board an hour, or more, the deputation were conveyed 
in a flag from the fhip, which was met by one from the 
Ihore. They brought with them a very Angular and 
extraordinary communication. An exa6l copy cannot 
at prefent be obtained, as official etiquette will not per- 
mit ; but having read it when it was received on fhore, 
as far as memory ferves us, it was as follows : 

On hoard H. M. Ship Ramilies, off Stonington, Aug. 10. 

Gentlemen — You having given afTurances that no 
torpedoes have been fitted out from Stonington ; and 
having engaged to exert your influence to prevent any 
from being fitted out or receiving any aid from your 



The Defence of Stonington. 15 

town : If you fend on board this fhip tomorrow at 
eight o'clock, Mrs. Stewart, wife of James Stewart efq. 
late His Majefty's Consul at New London, and their 
children, I engage that no further hoftilities fhall be 
committed againft Stonington ; otherwife I fhall pro- 
ceed to deftroy it effeftually. — For which purpofe I 
poiTefs ample means. 

T. M. HARDY, Capt. 

This letter was received indignantly. No anfwer 
was given. It was a fact well known that no torpedoes 
have been fitted out at Stonington, and that the in- 
habitants are unfriendly to the fyftem ; but neither 
individuals nor the town have power to prevent their 
reforting to that place. The condition fine qua non, 
is truly tragi- far deal. Neither the town of Stonington 
or the State of Connecticut, had any legal power to 
comply with it, which Capt. Hardy well knew. And if 
Stonington Point with its rocky foundations had been in 
danger of being blown up, fcarcely a voice would have 
been raifed to have faved it on fuch difgraceful terms. 
The firft duty of a citizen we are taught in Connecticut, 
is to obey the laws. Mrs. Stewart is under the pro- 
tedlion of the government of the United States, and 
the petition of her hufband for a permiffion for a de- 
parture is in the hands of a proper authority, who will 
undoubtedly decide corredly in the case.(9) 

Our countrymen at a diftance, from the importance 
Capt. Hardy has attached to the circumftance of Mrs. 



1 6 T^he Defence of Stonington, 

Stewart's being fent off to the Britiih fquadron, may 
poflibly apprehend that fhe has received infult, or fig- 
nified fome fears for the perfonal fafety of herfelf and 
children. — So far from this being the fadt, no lady ever 
experienced greater civilities from the citizens ; as no 
one has better deferved them. And her feelings during 
the proceedings at Stonington, demanded the fympathy 
of her friends. 

By the terms offered by Capt. Hardy, it was impof- 
fible to difcover whether he was moft doubtful of his 
ability to accomplifh the destru6lion of the town, or 
defirous of a pretext to fave it. He aflured the gen- 
tlemen who accompanied the flag that this was the moft 
unpleafant expedition he had undertaken. 

The truce on the part of the enemy having expired 
at 8 o'clock on Thurfday morning, a flag was foon after 
obferved at the battery to be coming on fliore, and 
there not being fufficient time to give information of 
the fad at head quarters and receive inflirudions, it was 
determined by the oflicer then commanding to fend a 
boat off to receive the communication. Mr. Faxon, of 
Stonington, took charge of the boat, met the flag, and 
offered to convey the difpatch agreeable to its direftions. 
The Britifh officer, Lieut. Claxton, queftioned his au- 
thority to receive it ; enquired whether Mrs. Stewart 
would be fent off ; and faid he would go on fhore. Mr. 
Faxon replied, that he knew nothing of Mrs. Stewart; 
and that if he attempted to proceed for the fliore, he 
would undoubtedly be fired on. He continued his 



T^he Defence of Stonington. 17 

courfe, when a centinel was direded to fire forward of the 
boat, but the ball pafled through the after fail. They 
immediately put about and fleered for the fhip ; the 
lieutenant fwearing revenge, for what he termed an 
infult to his fiag. 

An explanation of the circumftance was immediately 
tranfmitted by General Ifham to Capt. Hardy, which 
he received as fatisfadory. 

At the moment, a fiag had flarted for the Ramilies,(i°) 
from the civil authority of the town, which was received 
on board; by which was fent the following letter: — 

Stonington Boro\ Aug. 14, 18 14. 
To Thomas M. Hardy, Commander of H. B. M./hip 

Ramilies. 
Sir — Since the flag went into New London for Mrs. 
Stewart, and family. General Cufhing, who commands 
at New London, has written, we are informed, to the 
Secretary of War on the fubjed, and it is our opinion 
that the requeft will be complied with. But whatever 
may be the refult of the communication from Gen. 
Cufhing, you will be fatisfied it is not in our power to 
enter into any arrangement with you refpeding her. 
From yours, &c. 

Isaac Williams, ~\ 

William Lord, > Magijirates, 

Alexander G. Smith, J 

Joseph Smith, Warden. 

Geo. Hubbard, ) „ ^ 
Amos Denison, ) ^ S,W^^' 



1 8 The Defence of Stonington, 

To this letter, Capt. Hardy replied verbally, that he 
fhould allow till 12 o'clock for Mrs. Stewart to be 
brought on board. ("^ At this time the principal part of 
three regiments of militia had arrived, and the town 
was perfedly fecure againft a landing. 

At 3 o'clock, the bomb {hip commenced throwing 
fhells into the town ; and being out of reach of our 
cannon, the General withdrew the militia excepting a 
guard of 50 men who were ordered to patrol the ftreets 
for the extinguifhment of fire, fhould any happen. 
The bombardment continued till evening. 

On Friday morning the bomb fhip renewed her ope- 
rations a little before funrife, while the Ramilies and 
Padolus were warping in. At eight o'clock the frigate 
opened her fire and was foon followed by the Ramilies. 
At this time the cannon were ordered to be moved to 
the north end of the town, where they would have been 
ferviceable if an attempt had been made to land under 
cover of the (hips. This was a very hazardous fervice, 
as the party would be entirely expofed to the fire of the 
enemy. Volunteers in fufficient numbers infl:antly 
offered their fervices ; among whom were upwards of 
twenty of the Norwich artillery. The command of the 
party was entrufted to Lieutenant Lathrop, ('-) of that 
corps. They marched to the battery and brought oflF 
the pieces without the fmalleft accident ; exhibiting all 
the fteadinefs which charaderifes veteran foldiers. . 

This tremendous c;.nnonade and bombardment con- 
tinued till nearly noon, when it ceafed ; and about 



'The Defence of Stonmgton. 1 9 

four o'clock the fhips hauled off to their former an- 
chorage. 

During the fucceeding night a large force was kept 
on guard, in the expectation and hope that a landing 
would be attempted. The militia during this affliding 
fcene difcovered the very beft difpofition, and were 
eager to take revenge of the enemy or.facrifice their 
lives in the conteft. 

It may be considered miraculous that during the fe- 
veral attacks, while (o many were expofed to this ter- 
rible and protraded bombardment and cannonade, not 
a perfon was killed, and but five or fix wounded, and 
thofe but flightly. Among the wounded is Lieutenant 
Hough('3) of the drafted militia. 

On Saturday morning the enemy relinquifhed the 
hope of burning the town, weighed anchor, and pro- 
ceeded up Fifi:ier's Ifland found. 

The volunteers who fo glorioufly fought in the bat- 
tery, deferve the thanks of their country. No men 
could have done better. Their example will have the 
happiefl: influence. 

About forty buildings are more or lefs injured, 8 or 
10 eflentially fo ; and two or three may be confidered 
as ruined. The damage was principally done by the 
brig. Many fiiells did not explode, feveral were ex- 
tinguifiied. The Congreve Rockets which were fright- 
ful at firft, loft their terrors, and effeded little. 

The inhabitants, fearing another attack, have not 
returned to their dwellings, and their defolate fituation 



20 The Defence of Stonington. 

calls loudly upon the philanthropy of their fellow citi- 
zens. If a brief fhould be granted for colledions in the 
churches of the State we truft very efTential aid will be 
furnifhed. Nineteen-twentieths of the inhabitants, it 
is faid, have no other property than ther dwellings. 

A Nantucket man has been on board the Britifh 
fleet to redeem his boat, and learned that the Difpatch 
had 2 men killed and 12 wounded; her lofs was un- 
doubtedly much greater. 



NAMES OF VOLUNTEERS. 

[From the Conn. Gazette, Aug. 24th.] 

The following is handed us as a lift of the volunteers 
(tho' prefumed not entirely perfed,) of thofe who fo 
bravely ftood the brunt of the attack of Stonington 
Point:— 

Of Stonington : — 

Capt. George Fellows, Gurdon Trumbull, 

Capt. Wm. Potter, Alex. G. Smith, 

Dr. Wm. Lord, Amos Denifon jun., 

Lieut. H. G. Lewis, Stanton Gallup, 

Enfign D. Frink, Eb. Morgan, 

John Miner. 



The Defence of Stonington. 2 1 

0{ Myftic:— 

JefTe Deane, Jeremiah Holmes, 

Deane Gallup, N. Cleft, 

Fred. Haley, Jedediah Reed. 

Of Grot on : — 
Alfred White, Frank Daniels, 

Ebenezer Morgan, Giles Moran. 

Of New London : — 

Major Simeon Smith, 

Capt. Noah Lefler (formerly of the Army), 

Major N. Frink, Lambert Williams. 

From Majfachujetts: — - 

Capt. Leonard, and Mr. Dunham. 



[From the Conn. Gazette, Aug. 31ft.] 

By an error of the compofitor, the following names 
were omitted in the lift publifhed in our laft paper, of 
volunteers who fo greatly contributed to the glorious 
defence and prefervation of Stonington, viz. : — 
Simeon Haley, Thomas Wilcox, 

Jeremiah Haley, Luke Palmer, 

Frederick Denifon, George Palmer, 

Jphn Miner, Wm. G. Bufti. 

Afa Lee, 

There were probably others, whom we have not 
learnt. 



22 T^he Tie fence of Stoningtort. 

[From the original in the Comptroller's office, at Hartford.] 

Muster Roll of the 8th Company of Infantry un- 
der the command of Captain Wm. Potter in the 
Thirtieth Regiment of Con. Militia in fervice of the 
United States, at Stonington, commanded by Lieut. 
Col. Wm. Randall, from the 9th of Auguft when laft 
muftered, to the 27th of Auguft 18 14. — 

Commencement Expiration Alterations and Re- 
Names and Rank. offer-vice. offer-vice. marks fince laji 

Captain, William Potter, Aug. 9 Aug. 27 
Lieut. Horatio G. Lewis, 
Enfigrij Daniel Frink, 

Sergeants : 
Francis Amy, 
Charles H. Smith, 
Peleg Hancox, 
Gurdon Trumbull, 

Corporals : 
Azariah Stanton jr., 
Junia Cheefebrough, 
Jofhua Swan jr., 

Privates : 
Phineas Wilcox, 
Hamilton White, 
Henry Wilcox, 
Nathan Wilcox, 
Sam.uel Burtch, 
Jonathan Palmer, 
Andrew P. Stanton, 



.9^ 


^ug. 


27 


mujier. 


9 
9 


(C 


27 
23] 


detached for fervice 
and ordered to N. 
London, Aug. 2a. 


19 


(C 


27 




9 


cc 


27 




22 


ii 


27 




9 


(C 


27 




16 


cc 


27 




9 


cc 


27 




22 


cc 


27 

1 


f detached for fervice; 


9 


cc 


23 < 


' & ordered to New 




( London, Aug. 23. 


9 


11 


27 


f detached for fervice 


9 
9 


cc 


23 ' 

27 


' & ordered to New 
( London, Aug, 23. 


9 


c^ 


27 




9 


cc 


27 




9 


cc 


27 





The Defence of Stonington. 



James Stanton, 
Thomas Breed, 

Amos Loper, " 

Samuel Bottum, Jr., " 

Benj. Merritt, " 
Eliiha Cheefebrough Jr., " 

Chriftopr. Wheeler, " 

Amos Hancox, '« 

Zebadiah Palmer, " 
Nathl. Waldron, 

Thomas Spencer, " 
Nathl. M. Pendleton, 

Simon Carew, " 

Elifha Faxon Jun., " 

Ebenezer Halpin, " 

Afa Wilcox Jun., 
Warren Palmer, 



Aug. 9 Aug. 27 



9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
15 
15 

19 

20 

22 
22 

22 

22 
22 



Jofeph Bailey Jun.) 9 

Nathl. Lewis, j '^'''^'''^ '^ 



27 

27 

23 

27 

27 
27 
27 
27 
27 
27 

23 

23 

27 



23 



Volunteer exempt, 
difcharg., Aug. 17. 
Volunteer exempt, 
difcharg., Aug. 20. 

Produced certificate 
of parole on 15 th 
Aug. & difcharged. 

detached for fervice 
& ordered to New 
London, Aug. 23. 



3 



27 I 
23 I 



detached for fervice 
& ordered to New 
London, Aug. 23. 

detached for fervice 
& ordered to New 
London, 23 Aug. 



Waiter to Capt. 
Wm. Potter. 

Waiter to Lieut' 
G. Lewis. 



I certify, upon honor, that this Mufler Roll exhibits 
a true ftatement of the 8th Company ; and that the 
remarks fet oppofite the men's names are accurate and 
juft. 

William Potter, Capt. 



24 The Defence of Stonington. 

We certify upon honor, that the foregoing Mufter 
Roll exhibits a true ftatement of Captain William Pot- 
ter's Company ; and that the remarks fet oppofite the 
men's names are accurate and juft. 

John Jamjeson Jr., AJft. Adjt. GenL ^ 
Mujlering Officer, per order. 

Wm Lord, Regimental Surgeon. 



Account of the Attack, furnished for publi- 
cation, BY THE Magistrates, Warden and Bur- 
gesses. ('I-) 

[From the Conn. Ga?ette, Sept. 7th,] 

Stonington Borough, Aug. 29, 18 14. 
Mr. Green — In relation to the extraordinary attack 
of the enemy, of the 9th inft., on this village, the 
public have been furnifhed with various accounts ; and 
though thecircumftantial and generally correal account 
given in your paper [of the yth of Auguft,] precludes 
the neceffity of a recapitulation of the whole tranf- 
adion, yet this village having been the object of the 
attack and refentment of Sir Thomas, the Magiftrates, 
Warden and Burgefl'es refiding therein, feeling deeply 
interefted that fome official document comprehending 
a fupply of fome fads not given', and alteration of 



The Defejice of Stonington. 25 

others, and a general ftatement relative to the whole, 
fhould be publifhed, — offer the public the following 
statement : 

On Tuefday afternoon of the 9th inft. anchored off 
our harbor, the frigate Pactolus, the Terror^ a bomb 
fhip, and the brig Difpatch of 20 guns. From the dif- 
ficulty of the navigation in Fifher's Ifland Sound, we 
have been generally impreffed that such fhips of war 
dare not approach us ; but the prefumption of the 
enemy has created new fears, and we think it our duty 
to fay, that further means of defence and protedion 
ought to be afforded us ; this we have often requefted. 
Various were the opinions refpeding the objed of the 
enemy, but foon all was fettled. A flag was difcovered 
to leave the frigate and row towards the town. The 
impropriety of fuffering them to come on fhore was 
fuggefled ; and a boat was immediately obtained, Capt. 
Amos Palmer, William Lord Efq., and Lieut. Hough 
of the detachment here, feleded, and the flag of the 
enemy met by ours, when we received the following 
unexpeded and fhort notice — (This not having been 
furnifhed the public corredly we give it at length :) 

His Britannic Majejiy s fhip Pactolus, 
9M of Auguft^ 1 8 14, halfpaft 5 o'clock, P. M. 

Not wifhing to defl;roy the unoffending inhabitants 
refiding in the town of Stonington, one hour is given 
4 



26 'The Defence of Stonington. 

them from the receipt of this, to remove out of the 

town. 

T. M. HARDY, Capt. of H. B. M. 

Ship Ramilies. 

To the Inhabitants of the Town of 

Stonington. 

From the date of this communication it will appear 
that Commander Hardy was himfelf on board the Pac- 
tolus to dired; the attack ; the Ramilies then laying at 
anchor at the well end of Fiflier's Ifland. The people 
aflembled in great numbers to hear what was the word 
from the enemy ; when the above was read aloud. 
The enemy in the barge lay upon their oars a few mo- 
ments, probably to fee the crowd and if fome confter- 
nation might not prevail. Whatever effed: was pro- 
duced, this we know, that Sir Thomas's "unoffend- 
ing inhabitants" did not agree to give up the fhip, 
though threatened by a force competent, in a human 
view, to deftroy them, when compared with theprefent 
means of defence in their power. It was exclaimed, 
from old and young. We will defend. The male citi- 
zens, though duly appreciating the humanity of Sir 
Thomas, in not wifhing to deftroy them, thought pro- 
per to defend their wives and their children, and, in 
many inftances, all their property ; and we feel aplea- 
fure in faying that a united fpirit of defence prevailed, 
and, during the fhort hour granted us, expreffes were 
fent to Gen. Cufhing at New London, and to Col. 
Randall, ('5) whofe regiment refided neareft to the fcene 



The Defence of Stonington. 27 

of danger. The detachment ftationed here under Lieut. 
Hough was embodied; Capt. Potter, refiding within 
the Borough, gave orders to aflemble all the officers 
and men under his command that could be immedi- 
ately colleded. They cheerfully and quickly affembled, 
animated with the true fpirit of patriotifm. The am- 
munition for our two i8-pounders and 4-pounder was 
colleded at the little breaft-work ereded by ourfelves. 
The citizens of the Borough, affifted by two ftrangers 
from MafTachufetts, manned the i8-pounders at the 
breaft-work, and alfo the 4-pounder. One caufe of 
difcouragement, only, feemed to prevail, which was 
the deficiency of ammunition for the cannon. This 
circumftance, however, together with the fuperior force 
arrayed againft us, did not abate the zeal for refiftance. 
Such guards of mufketry as were in our power to place, 
were ftationed at different points on the ftiores. In this 
ftate of preparation we waited the attack of the enemy. 
About 8 o'clock in the evening they commenced by 
the fire of a fhell from the bomb-fhip, which was im- 
mediately returned by a fhot from our i8-pounder. 
This attack of the enemy was immediately fucceeded 
by one from three launches and four barges, furround- 
ing the point, throwing rockets and fhot into the vil- 
lage. This alfo was returned as often as, by the light 
of the rockets ftreaming from the barges, we could dif- 
cover them. AfTifted by the above military force, the 
inhabitants alone, fome feventy years old, defended the 
town until about 11 o'clock; and had it not been for 



28 The Defence of Stonington. 

the fpirlted refiftance manifefted, a landing no doubt, 
would have been efFefted. At this time Col. Randall 
had arrived, and having iflued orders to the militia un- 
der his command, they began to alTemble, and from 
the fhort notice given them were truly prompt and ac- 
tive in appearing at the poft of danger : fome volun- 
teers had alfo arrived. From this additional ftrength, 
the appreheniions of the enemy's landing, in a mea- 
fure vanifhed. Their Ihells, rockets and carcafTes, ha- 
ving been prevented from fpreading the deftrudion 
intended, they ceafed firing them about 12 o'clock. 
All was ftill from this time until day-light. A fire of 
rockets and fhot from the launches and barges again 
commenced, which was fpiritedly returned from our 
artillery taken from the breaft-work, in open view of 
the enemy and expofed to their fhot, on the end of the 
point, and they [were] compelled to recede. This 
truly hazardous fervice was nobly performed. Col. 
Randall having been prompt in his appearance, as 
were all the officers and foldiers of his regiment, they 
were now organized, ready and eager to receive our 
invaders. From the fpirit manifefted among the citi- 
zens, volunteers and foldiers, and the judicious ar- 
rangements made of the troops affembled, had a landing 
been attempted a good account would no doubt have 
been given of them. We were now alfo afTifted by 
numbers of volunteers. The barges having receded 
from the fire of our four and eighteen-pounder on the 
Point, they were taken back to the breaft-work. 



The Defence of Sto?iingfon. 29 

About 8 o'clock in the morning of Wednefday, the 
Brig [^Difpatch'] hauled within half a mile of our breaft- 
work, and opened a well direded and animated fire. 
Our few guns being now well manned by citizens and 
volunteers, from Stonington, New London, Miftick 
and Groton, they were ready to receive her. Her fire 
was returned with a fpirit and courage rarely to be 
equalled, — and of those gallant fouls who flood this 
conflidl, we can only fay, they glorioufly did their duty. 
Heroes having fo nobly aded, with ours, will receive 
the plaudit of their country. What effed fuch bravery 
had on the enemy, will appear from the fad, that the 
brig was compelled to cut her cable and retire out of 
reach of our fhot. Her anchor has fince been taken 
up, with a number of fathoms of cable. No attack 
was afterwards made by the brig. This conteft with 
the brig (called the Difpatch), continued on our part 
from the breail-work until the ammunition was ex- 
pended. To this circumflance, unfortunately for the 
village and mortifying to thofe fo gallantly engaged 
in the defence, may be attributed the principal injury 
fuftained by the buildings. For two hours or more 
fhe kept up a conftant fire without having it in our 
power to return a fhot : during which time, we are con- 
fident, had there been a fupply of ammunition, fhe 
would have been taught the ufe and meaning of her 
name. 

The further particulars which tranfpired on Wed- 
nefday and Thurfday, having been noticed by you, in 



3© The Defence of Stonington. 

the publication above referred to, very correftly, the 
public muft be latisfied without any comments from 
us. In the publication of the tranfadions of Friday, 
we have difcovered one error. Amidft the combined 
fire of the Ramilies, frigate and bomb-fhip, Lieut. La- 
throp and volunteers from the Norwich Artillery, in 
fad did proceed, to undertake in affifting to get off the 
cannon from the breafl-work, but they met other brave 
lads who had accomplifhed this hazardous duty. The 
praife therefore of this performance, however they may 
have diflinguifhed themfelves in other duties, is not 
corredly beftowed. 

In pafling the proceedings of Thurfday and Friday, 
we would not overlook the fingular communication 
received from Commodore Hardy, which preceded the 
fire on Thurfday. Two fubjeds efleemed very im- 
portant by Sir Thomas feem conneded, Torpedoes and 
Mrs. Stewart, — a lady we prefume worthy of the notice 
even of Commodore Hardy. But a demand made on 
thofe with whom, it was well known, no power exifted 
to comply, is not a little extraordinary : befides, this 
communication is totally different from and uncon- 
neded with the one it was fent as an anfwer to. It 
would appear from reading the documents, that affu- 
rances were given that no torpedoes ever did, or ever 
fhould, go from this place. This was not the fad ; no 
promifes or confeffions of any kind were ever made. 
To this fingular letter no general reply was given ; that 
part, only, [was] noticed, relative to Mrs. Stewart. 



The Defence of Stonington. 31 

The enemy left us on Friday, without having accom- 
plifhed that deftrudion which they told us was to be 
effedied. The damage done the buildings is eftimated 
at about four thoufand dollars. This would undoubt- 
edly have been much greater, had not the volunteer 
vigilant firemen('^) from Capt. Potter's company before 
mentioned, and others, continued firm at their pofts, 
determined that not a flame kindled by thofe fiery en- 
gines of the enemy but fhould be extinguifhed, — and 
it was done. This duty, perhaps, was as important 
and ufeful for the falvation of the village, as any per- 
formed during the confli6l. 

The lifl: of individuals given to the public as diftin- 
guiihing themfelves during the contefl:, we efleem very 
imperfeft. To give a corred; lifl; of all thofe who did 
diftinguifli themfelves in the various duties that were 
performed, is not eafy to do ; we fliall therefore for- 
bear. Having thought proper to beflowa juft tribute 
of praife on the officers and foldiers of the 30th Regi- 
ment, who firft arrived at the fcene of adtion, it becomes 
us to exprefs, alfo, the high fenfe which we entertain 
of the fervices and judicious and foldier-like condud: 
of Brigadier-General Ifliam, and the officers and foldiers 
of the 8th and 20th Regiments, afl'embled under his 
command. 

During this protradled bombardment, nothing more 
excites our aflonifliment and gratitude than this, that 
not a man was killed on our part. We underftand from 
good authority, the enemy had a number killed and 



32 Tihe Defence of Stonington. 

feveral badly wounded,('7) in this unprovoked attack 
upon us. 

We have made fome eftimate of the number of fhells 
and fire carcafles thrown into the village, and we find 
there has been about three hundred. The amount of 
metal fired by the enemy will exceed, we think, fifty 
tons. About three or four tons of bombs, carcafles 
and fhot have been collefted.* 

William Lord, 
Alex. G. Smith, 
Joseph Smith, 
Amos Palmer, 
Amos Denison, 
Geo. Hubbard, 
Thomas Ash, 
Reuben Chesebrough, 



Magiftrates. 

Warden. 
1 



■ BurgeJJes. 



* " Some refpeftable citizens from motives of curiofity weighed feveral 
Ihells &c., and found their weight to be as follows. 

One of the largeft carcafles, partly full of the combuftible, 216 lb. 
One of the fmalleft fort do. 103 

One of the largeft kind empty, 1 89 

One of the largeft bomb fliells, 1 89 

One of the fmalleft do. 90 

One, marked on it (fire 16 lb) 16 

One of the largeft carcafles pardy full, was fet on fire, which burnt 
half an hour, emitting a horrid ftench ; in a calm the flame would rife ten 
feet. Some of the rockets were fharp pointed, others not, made of flieet 
iron very thick, containing at the lower end fome of them a fufee of gre- 
nade, calculated to burft, and if they were taken hold of before the ex- 



The Defence of Stonington. 33 

Letter from Capt. Amos Palmer, to the Secre- 
tary OF War. 

fFrom Niles's Weekly Regifter, Oct. 21, 1815.] 

Defence of Stonington. 
The defence of Stonington by a handful of brave 
citizens was more like an efFufion of feeling, warm 
from the heart, than a concerted military movement. 
The refult of it, we all know, and it afforded fincere 
delight to every patriot. But the particulars we have 
never feen fo accurately defcribed as in the following 
concife narrative from the chairman of the committee 
of defence, to the Secretary of War, of which we have 
been provided with a copy for publication. — Nat, In- 
telligencer. 

" Stonington Borough, Aug. ai, 1815. 

To the Hon. Wm. H. Crawford, 

Secretary of War. 
Sir : 

The former Secretary of War put into my hands, 
as chairman of the committee of defence, the two 18- 
pounders and all the munitions of war that were here 
belonging to the general government, to be ufed for 
the defence of the town, — and I gave my receipt for 
the fame. 

plofion, might prove dangerous ; one or two perfons received injury in 
this way. They appear to contain a greater variety of combuftibles than 
the fire carcafles. 

5 



34 T^^^^ Defence of Stonington. 

As there is no military officer here, it becomes my 
duty to inform you [of] the ufe we have made of it. 
That on the 9th of Auguft laft [year], the Ramilies 
74, the Pa5iolus 44, the Terror bomb-ffiip, and the 
Dejpatch gun brig, anchored off the harbor. Commo- 
dore Hardy fent off a boat, with a flag ; we met him 
with another from the fhore, when the officer of the 
flag handed me a note from Commodore Hardy, in- 
forming that one hour was given the unofl^ending in- 
habitants, before the town would be deftroyed. 

We returned to the fhore, where all the male inhabit- 
ants were coUeded, when I read the note aloud ; they 
all exclaimed, they would defend the place to the lafl; 
extremity, and if it was defliroyed, they would be buried 
in the ruins. 

We repaired to a fmall battery that we had hove up 

nailed our colors to the flag ftaff — others lined the 

fhore with their muflcets. 

At about feven in the evening, they put off five 
barges and a large launch, carrying from 32 to 9 lb. 
carronades in their bows, and opened their fire from 
their fhipping, with bombs, carcafl^es, rockets, round, 
grape and cannifter fhot, and fent their boats to land 
under cover of their fire. We let them come within 
fmall grape difl:ance, when we opened our fire upon 
them, from our two iS^pounders, with round and grape 
(hot. They foon retreated out of grape diftance, and 
attempted a landing on the eaft fide of the village ; 
we dragged a fix-pounder that we had mounted over. 



77/^ Defence of Stonington. 35 

and met them with grape, and all our mufkets opened 
fire on them, fo that they were willing to retreat the 
fecond time. They continued their fire 'till 1 1 at night. 
The next morning at feven o'clock, the brig BeJ- 
patch anchored within piftol fhot of our battery, and 
they fent five barges and two large launches to land un- 
der cover of their whole fire (being joined by the Nim- 
rod 20 gun brig). When the boats approached within 
grape diftance, we opened our fire on them with round 
and grape fhot. They retreated and came round the 
eaft fide of the town. We checked them with our fix 
pounder and muflcets, 'till we dragged over one of our 
18 pounders. We put in it a round fhot and about 
40 or 50 lbs. of grape, and placed it in the centre of 
their boats as they were rowing up in a line and firing 
on us. We tore one of their barges all in pieces ; fo 
that two, one on each fide, had to lafh her up, to keep 
her from finking. They retreated out of grape diftance, 
and we turned our fire upon the brig, and expended 
all our cartridges but five, which we referved for the 
boats, if they made another attempt to land. We then 
lay four hours without being able to annoy the enemy 
in the leafl:, except from mufkets on the brig, while 
■^ the fire from the whole fleet was direded againft our 
buildings. After the third exprefs to New London, 
fome fixed ammunition arrived. We then turned our 
cannon on the brig, and fhe foon cut her cable and 
drifted out. 

The whole fleet then weighed, and anchored nearly 



36 T^he Defence of Stonington. 

out of reach of our (hot, and continued this and the 
next day to bombard the town. 

They fet the buildings on fire in more than twenty 
places, and we as often put them out. In the three 
days' bombardment they fent on fhore 60 tons of metal, 
and, ftrange to fay, wounded only one man, fince dead. 
We have picked up 15 tons, including fome that was 
taken up out of the water, and the two anchors that 
we got.('^) We took up and buried four poor fellows 
that were hove overboard out of the finking barge. 

Since peace, the officers of the Defpatch brig have 
been on fhore here : they acknowledge they had 21 
killed, and 50 badly wounded ; and. farther fay, had 
we continued our fire any longer, they ihould have 
ftruck, for they were in a finking condition : for the 
wind then blew at S. W. diredly into the harbour. 
Before the ammunition arrived, it fhifted round to 
north, and blew out of the harbour. All the ihot 
fuitable for the cannon we have referved. We have 
now more 18 pound fhot than was fent us by govern- 
ment. We have put the two cannon in the arfenal, and 
houfed all the munitions of war." 



T^he Defence of Stonington. 37 



Extract Jrom the Speech of Gen. Erastus Root, 
OF New York, 

In the Houfe of Reprefentatives, on the Bill to 
provide for the payment of Militia called out by 
State authority, and not placed under the command 
of the United States. 

[After animadverting with great feverity on the affair 
at Pettipaug point,('9) and the courfe purfued by 
Governor Smith, of Connedicut, for the defence ot 
New London] — 

" There was one achievement, faid Mr. R.j which 
brightened the annals of Connedicut and fhed luftre 
on the American character. He alluded to th^ Defence 
of Stonington. A more brilliant affair, faid he, had not 
taken place during the late war. It was not rivalled by 
the defence of Sandufky, the glorious triumph on the 
Niagara, nor the naval victories on Erie and Champ- 
lain. And yet that heroic exploit is claimed in favor 
of Governor Smith's militia, and is to gild the pill 
which we are called upon to fwallow. The detached 
militia, faid Mr. R., had nothing to do in that affair. 
It was achieved by fourteen democrats, volunteer demo- 
crats, who were determined to defend the town or perifh 
in its ruins. Commodore Hardy, fearful that that 
democratic town would fend torpedoes among his 
fquadron, demanded a pledge that no harm fhould be 
done to his Ihips. No pledge being given, and after 



3 8 The Defence of Stonington. 

advifing the removal of women and children from 
the town, the enemy made a vigorous attack, firft in 
barges, and afterwards in a brig of war. This heroic 
little band, with a fingle gun mounted on a fmall bat- 
tery, drove off the brig as they had before driven off 
the barges. They fent havoc and death among the 
enemy, — faved the town, — and crowned themfelves 
with never fading laurels." — ^'he (Hartford) TimeSy 
March i8, 1817. 



The Battle of Stonington, on the Seaboard of 
Connecticut. 

BY PHILIP FRENEAU. 

In an attack upon the town and a /mail fort oftwoguns, 
hy the 'RAMii.hiiiSyfeventy four gun fhip^ commanded by Sir 
Thomas Hardy ; the Pactolus, 38 gun fhip ; Despatch 
hrigy and a razee, or bomb fhip, — Augufl, 18 14. 

Four gallant fhips from England came 
Freighted deep with fire and flame. 
And other things we need not name, 

To have a dafh at Stonington. 

Now fafely moor'd, their work begun, 
They thought to make the Yankees run, 
And have a mighty deal of fun 

In flealing fheep at Stonington. 



The Defence of Stoniiigtoti, 39 

A deacon then popp'd up his head. 
And Parfon Jones's fermon read, 
In which the reverend doctor faid 

That they muft fight for Stonington. 

A townfman bade them, next, attend 
To fundry refolutions penn'd, 
By which they promifed to defend 

With fword and gun old Stonington. 

The {hips advancing different ways, 
The Britons foon began to blaze, 
And put th' old women in amaze. 

Who feared the lofs of Stonington. 

The Yankees to their fort repair'd. 
And made as though they little cared 
For all that came — though very hard 

The cannon play'd on Stonington. 

The Ramillies began the attack, 

Defpatch came forward — bold and black-"— 

And none can tell what kept them back 

From fetting fire to Stonington. 

The bombardiers with bomb and ball 
Soon made a farmer's barrack fall. 
And did a cow-houfe fadly maul 

That flood a mile from Stonington. 



40 The Defence of Stonington. 

They kill'd a goofe, they kill'd a hen, 
Three hogs they wounded in a pen — 
They dafh'd away, — and pray what then ? 
This was not taking Stonington. 

The fliells were thrown, the rockets flew. 
But not a fhell, of all they threw. 
Though every houfe was full in view. 

Could burn a houfe at Stonington. 

To have their turn, they thought but fair ; — 
The Yankees brought two guns to bear. 
And, fir, it would have made you ftare, 

This fmoke of fmokes at Stonington. 

They bor'd FaEiolus through and through. 
And kill'd and wounded of her crew 
So many, that fhe bade adieu 

T' the gallant boys of Stonington, 

The brig Dejpatch was hull'd and torn — 
So crippled, riddled, fo forlorn — 
No more fhe caft an eye of fcorn 

On the little fort at Stonington, 

The Ramillies gave up th' affray. 
And, with her comrades fneaked away. 
Such was the valor on that day. 

Of Britifh tars, near Stonington. 



T^he Defence of Stotiington, 41 

But fome affert, on certain grounds, 
(Befides the damage and the wounds,) 
It coft the King ten thoufand pounds 

To have a dafh at Stonington. 

[Few of Frenau's earlier and better poems were fo 
popular as this of " The Battle of Stonington," in its 
day. All Connedicut boys knew it by heart, and it 
had an eftablifhed place among the ' declamations' of 
fchool exhibitions. Until within a few years it was to 
be found in the aflbrtment of every ftreet vender of 
ballads and patriotic poems, — fometimes in its original 
form, but more often, with * emendations and cor- 
reftions.' In the broad-fide from which I firft learned 
it (bought at a flail in the neighborhood of Fulton 
market, fome thirty years ago,) for the twelfth and 
thirteenth verfes was fubftituted this : — 

*' They bored the Dejpatch through and through, 
And kill'd and wounded half her crew ; 
'Till crippled, riddled, fhe withdrew, - — 

And curf'd the boys of Stonington."] 



42 T^he Defence of Stonington. 

Celebrations of the Anniversary 
OF THE Attack. 

1815. 
Thurfday, Aug. loth, the firft anniverfary of the 
battle, was obferved as a day of thankfgiving a^d 
prayer. The old flag was again hoifted on the flag- 
fl:afi^ at the battery : and a proceffion, formed at that 
place, marched to the Congregational meeting-houfe, 
to liften to a difcourfe by the paftor, Rev. Ira Hart. 
On its conclufion, the proceflion returned to the bat- 
tery, where the exercifes of the day were clofed by 
prayer. " On Friday evening a grand anniverfary ball 
was given ; the aflembly being both numerous and 
brilliant." — Conn. Gazette, Aug. 23^. 

1818. 
Celebration at the Borough, on Monday, Aug. loth. 
<' The company was very numerous, and the bufinefs 
of the day went ofl^ with great eclat." — Id. Aug. \ith, 
1818. 

1824. 

An Oration was delivered at the Congregational 
meeting-houfe, by Rev. David Auftin, '' charaderifttic 
of h's talents, patriotifm, and eloquence." The con- 
courfe of citizens from Stonington and the neighboring 
towns was unufually large and refpedable. An excel- 
lent dinner was provided by Major Babcock, at the 
Borough Hotel, to which a large number of citizens 



'The Defence of Stonington. 43 

and invited guefts did ample juftice. The following 
were among the volunteer toafts : 

By Capt. Edmund Fanning. The Graf/hopper Forf^' 
— may it never be forgotten by thofe whom it defended. 

By Samuel Copp, Efq. American Eight een-pounders-^ 
as handled in the Graffhopper Fort. 

By Gen. J. Ifham. Auguft 10/^, 18 14 — May no vile 
calumniator hereafter attempt to tarnifh the hard earned 
fame of the heroes of that day. 

By Gurdon Trumbull, Efq. John ^uincy Adams 
and Andrew Jackfon — Their elevation to the firft offices 
of our government, will demonftrate that fovereignty 
is yet with tht people, and guarantee the defence of our 
national rights, whether aflailed by the pen or the/word. 

By Dr. Swift. Capt. Amos Palmer — His memory ; 
his energy and perfeverance. 

By W. Storer Jun. Gen. La Fayette-\ — Whom God 
doth biefs, we will honor. 

By JelTe Dean Efq. Major Simeon Smith — Who 
made cartridges of his ftockings, for our defence, on 
the day we celebrate. — New London Gazette^ Aug. i %th. 

1826. 

The inftallation of Benevolent Chapter of Royal 
Arch Mafons took place at Stonington, on the anni- 
verfary of the attack. The revenue cutters Eagle, from 

* " Alluding to a term ufed by the Rev. Orator of the day." 
+ Gen. La Fayette's arrival at New York w^as daily expefted. He 
landed at Caftle Garden, Aug. i6th. 



44 T^he Defence of Stonington. 

New Haven, the Newport cutter, and the fteamboat 
Long-branch (Capt. Mather), from New London, 
brought numerous mafonic and other guefts,- — military 
companies, — and a band of mufic. A proceffion of fome 
three hundred brethren and companions was formed, 
by order of Doct. Thomas Hubbard, M. E. G. H. P., 
under the direction of Companions Gen. W. Williams, 
Samuel F. Denifon, and others, as marfhals. The pro- 
ceffion marched to the fite of the battery, where a fpa- 
cious tent had been erected, with feats for 2500 per- 
fons, — and liftened to a prayer from the Gr. Chaplain, 
Rev. Seth B. Paddock, and an Oration by Afa Child, 
Efq. ; after which the new chapter was dedicated in am- 
ple form, and the feveral officers duly inftalled. A 
grand dinner clofed the exercifes of the day. — A^. L. 
Gazette J Aug. 16th. 

1827. 

A grand celebration, on the battle ground, where a 
a large tent had been ereded. Among the guefts were 
his Excellency Governor Tomlinfon and his ftafF. The 
proceffion formed early in the morning, and marched 
through the principal ftreets, efcorted by the Stoning- 
ton artillery and Norwich rifle companies, to the tent, 
' — where an addrefs was delivered by Gurdon Trumbull, 
Efq. : after which, the proceffion re-formed, and pro- 
ceeded to the dinner table (fpread in Mr. Faxon's rope 
walk, under the fupervifion of Major Paul Babcock). 
Samuel F. Denifon, Efq., prefided at the table, affifted 



T^he 'Defence of Stonington. 45 

by Major General Wm. Williams, George Hubbard 
and B. F. Babcock, Efquires. A long account of the 
celebration, with the toafts drank at the dinner, &c. 
— is given in the New London GazettCy of Auguft 15th. 



NOTES. 



Note i, page 9. 

ITONINGTON BOROUGH, incorporated by the Legiflature 
[of Connedlicut,] in 1801, is fituated on a narrow point of 
_ land about half a mile in length, at the eaftern extremity of 
Long Ifland found. On its eaftern fide lies Paucatuck bay, and on its 
weft the harbour, terminating in Lambert's Cove. It has four [two] 
principal ftreets running north and fouth, interfefted at right angles by nine 
crofs ftreets, and contains about one hundred and twenty dwelling houfes and 
ftores. It has alfo two houfes for public worfhip, an academy, where the 
languages are taught, and two common fchools ; two rope-walks, commo- 
dious wharves, and ware houfes for ftorage. ... In the cenfus of 1810, 
the /oa;ff contained 3043 inhabitants, and there arc now [1819], 335 
qualified eledors.— P^^y^ ^ Niks' s Gazetteer of ConneSikut. 



Note 2, page 9. 
Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Bart. — afterwards Vice- Admiral, and 
G. C. B., — was at this time not far from thirty-five years of age. 
He entered the British navy, as a midftiipman, at twelve ; and was 
promoted to the rank of commander in 1797, for diftinguiOied gal- 
lantry in the capture of a French brig, under the walls of Vera Cruz. 
He commanded the Mtitine brig, in the battle of the Nile,— became the 
favorite of Nelfon, and was appointed to the command of his flag-fhip, 
ferving with him, fucceffively, in the Vanguard, the Namur, the St. 
George, (at the battle of Copenhagen), the Iris and Jmphitrion, and the 



48 The Defence of Stonington. 

FiSiory, on boa-d which Nelfon conquered and fell at Trafalgar. Capt. 
Hardy was created a baronet, in February, 1806; from which period, 
until 1824, he was almoft conftantly on adive duty in the Well Indies 
and on American ftations. He was made a knight commander of the 
Bath, Jan. 1815, and knight grand cross, in 1831. In Oftober, 1827, 
he retired from the fervice ; was appointed a lord of the admiralty in 
1830; and governor of Greenwich Hofpital, in 1834, retaining that 
office until his death, Sept. 20th, 1839. — Annual Eegijler, vol. lxxxi, 
p, 365. Difpatches i^ Letters of Nelfon. 

[Col. Green gave \h.(t fubjiance of this note, from memory. A correft 
copy of it was publifhed with the official account, in the Gazette of Sept. 
7th. Commodore Hardy wrote from on board the FaBolus, — his own 
fhip, the Ramilies, then lying at anchor off the weft end of Fifher's Ifland.] 



Note 3, page 10. 

Capt. Amos Palmer, and Dr. Wm. Lord. The former was the 
fenior warden of the Borough, and chairman of the committee of 
citizens who had been entrufted, fome months previoufly, with the 
preparations for defence. " He was diftinguifhed for his integrity, 
his republican principles, and his patriotifm.'' — Peafe $ff Niles's Ga- 
zetteer, 1 8 19. Capt. Palmer's own account of the attack (in a letter to 
the Secretary of War,) will be found on pages 33-36. He died at 
Stonington, March 1, 1816, aet. 69. 



Note 4, page 10 

BRiGADiER-General Thomas H. Ciffliing, who commanded at New 
London. After the ratification of peace, in 1815, General Cufhing 
received the appointment of colleftor of the port of New London, and 
retained the office till his death, Oct. 19th, 1822, aet. 6-j. — Hiji. of 
New London, p. 649. 



The Defence of Stonington. 49 

Note 5, page 12. 

An account of the " Bombardment of Stonington" [by the Rev. 
Frederick Denifon] printed in the MyJIic Pmieer of July 2d, 1859, 
contains many interefting particulars, " gathered from the lips of pro- 
minent aflors in the battle." This account fays, " The firft men, 
fo far as remembered, that took ftations in the battery, were four, William 
Lord, Afa Lee, George Fellows, and Amos Denifon. Juft before fix o'clock, 
fix volunteers from Myftic, Jeremiah Holmes, Jeremiah Haley, Ebenezer 
Denifon, Ifaac Denifon, and Nathaniel Clift, reached the place, on foot, 
and ran immediately to help to operate the gun in the battery." 

. . . . " The battery being fmall, but few men could work ir> it, and 
at this time [later in the morning of the loth,] it was operated, as nearly 
as remembered, by Jeremiah Holmes, Simeon Haley, Jeremiah Haley, 
Ifaac Denifon, Ifaac Miner, George Fellows, and Afa Lee." This lift is 
not complete, but is doubtlefs correft fo far as it relates to the Myjik vo- 
lunteers. 



Note 6, page 12. 

The wound proved mortal. Mr. Denifon died November ift, 18 14. 
He was the fourth fon of Ifaac and Eunice [Williams] Denifon, of 
Myftic, born Dec. 27th, 1795. On the morning of the attack, 
Frederick, — a youth not yet nineteen years old, — haftened, on foot, 
to the Borough, to join the little band of volunteers, with whom were 
already his two' elder brothers, Ebenezer and Ifaac, and his brothers-in- 
law, Capt. Jer. Holmes and Capt. Nath. Clift. He went immediately 
to the battery, where he helped to work the guns, and during the heat of 
the action, when the match-rope proved unferviceable, volunteered to go 
out to procure a new fupply. While on this dangerous errand, he was 
ftruck by a fhot from the brig, or, as other accounts fay, by a fragment 
fcaled from a rock by a pafling ball. The wound was not confidered 
dangerous, and if furgical aid could have been promptly obtained, Mr. 
Denifon's life might have been fpared. 

In May, 1856, the Legiflature of Connefticut made an appropriation 

7 



^o The Defe?ice of Stonington. 

for a fuitable monument to his memory, which was ereded in Elm Grove 
Cemetery, at Myftic. — F. D. \Rev. Fred. Denijon,'] in MyJ}ic Pioneer, 
Aug. 27th, 1859. 



Note 7, page 13. 
The colors on the flag ftafF were fhot through nine times. A fence 
near by was pierced by fixtythree balls." — Mj_/?/V Pioneer. The flag 
has been carefully preferved, and was in the keeping of Francis Amy, 
Efq., — orderly fergeant of Capt. Potter's Company, at the time of the at- 
tack, — until his death in 1863. Its future prefervation fhould be infured 
by depofiting it with the Connefticut Hiftory Society. 



Note 8, page 13. 

JiRAH IsHAM, Efq., commanding the 3d Brigade of the State Mi- 
litia, — in the 3d Divifion, (William Williams, Efq., Major General.) 



Note 9, page 15. 

On Sunday [Aug. 7] a flag came up [to New London] from the 
frigate Forth, Com. Hotham. The objedl was to obtain permiflion for 
James Stewart, Efq., formerly conful here, to take off his family. 
Mr. Stewart was on board. General Cufliing, we underftand, replied 
that the requell would be forwarded to Wafliington." — Conn. Gazette, 
Aug. loth. 



Note 10, page 17. 
Mr. Gurdon Trumbull was the bearer of this flag, and was accom- 
panied by Dr. Wm. Lord. The boat was rowed to the Ramillies by 
Noyes Brown and Jabcz Holmes. Gen. Ifliam's explanation of the 
firing on Lieut. Claxton, under a flag of truce, had not been received 
by Com. Hardy when the boat with this letter from the civil authority 



'The 'Defence of Stonington. 51 

came along fide. The bearer of the letter was met, at the head of the 
gang-ladder by a lieutenant, and informed that the Commodore was 
much incenfed at the infult offered to the flag, and would not receive 
any communication from the fhore until it fhould be explained. Mr. 
Trumbull replied that he came as a meflcngcr from the civil and 
not the military authorities, and was not inftruftcd to offer any explanation : 
but, as an eye-witnefs of the tranfadtion, he would ftate the circumftances, 
as they occurred. The lieutenant reported thefe to the Commodore, and 
returned with a meffage that the latter was " perfedly fatiffied ;" that the 
defenders of the place were l''ully authorized to prevent the nearer approach 
of the flag-boat ; and that his officer [Lieut. Claxton] was in the wrong. 
Mr. Trumbull was then condufted to the cabin, where he found the Com- 
modore, in confultation with all the other commanders of the fquadron, 
and delivered the letter from the Borough authorities. 



Note i 1, page i8. 

This is not exaftly correft. He faid nothing of Mrs. Stewart ; but, 
after reading the letter, remarked, " I learn from this, Sir, that I am 
under the neceffity of refuming hoflilities, — which I fhall do, at one 
o'clock." 

Note 12, page 18. 

Lieut. John Lathrop, of the Norwich Artillery or " Matrofs Com- 
pany" (Capt. Charles Thomas). It will be feen, by the narrative of 
the magiftrates, that Lieut. Lathrop was anticipated in the execution of 
this fervice, by a party of volunteers. 

Note 13, page 19. 
Lieut. Samuel L. Hough, of Canterbury, Lieutenant of the L. In- 
fantry Company (Capt. James Afpinwall), detached from the 21ft re- 



52 The Defence of Stonington. 

giment of militia, — in the fervice of the U. States. Lieut. Hough's 
wound was not ferious. He is ftill living (June, 1864,) — and in receipt 
of a penfion from the U. States. 

Note 14, page 24. 
This account was written by Alex. G. Smith, Efq. 

Note 15, page 26. 

CoL. Wm. Randall, of Stonington, commanding the 30th Regiment of 

State Militia. 

Note 1 6, page 3 1 . 

Too much praife can hardly be awarded to the volunteer firemen, 
who, during the whole of the engagement, continued to patrol the 
ftreets, watching the fall of every rocket and fhell, and extinguifliing 
fires as foon as lighted. Two of this band may be named without injuftice 
to others, as having rendered efficient and conftant fervice, — Capt, 
Charles H. Smith and Francis Amy, Efq., both ferjeants in Capt. 
Potter's company. Capt. Thomas Swan was not lefs adive or perfe- 
vering. He remained in the Borough, (except for an hour's vifit to his 
family, placed in fafety at a farm houfe, a mile diftant,) from the begin- 
ning of the attack till the departure of the fhips ; ferving, as neceffity re- 
quired, with the volunteer firemen, and with the guard Rationed on the 
eaft fide of the Point to prevent a landing of the enemy from their boats. 

Note 17, page 32. 
See Capt. Palmer's letter to the Secretary of War, next following. 

Note 18, page 36. 

The anchor left by the Dijpatch brig, at Stonington, when fhe * cut 
and run,' has been got up and brought to New London. It weighs up- 
wards of 20 cwt. — Niles's Weekly Regijler, Sept. 10, 1814. 



The Defence of Stonington, ^^ 

" Mr. Chalmers, late mafter of the Terror, bomb-vefTel, employed in 
the attack on Stonington, has been captured in a Britilh barge and fent to 
Providence. He fays 1 70 bombs were difcharged from that fhip in the 
attack on Stonington, which were found to weigh 80 lb. each ; the charge 
of powder for the mortar was 9 lbs. ; adding to this the wadding, that 
velTel muft have difgorged eight tons weight." — Ifjid. 



" The following, appears in a New York paper, in the fhape of an ad- 
vertifement : 

Engli/h Manufacture, and Memento of the '* Mxignanimity^^ of 
Commodore Hardy. 
Juft received, and offered for fale, about 

THREE TONS OF ROUND SHOT, 
confifting of 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, and 32 lbs., very handfome, being ^Jmah 
proportion of thofe which were fired from his Britannic Majefty's ihips, on 
the unoffending inhabitants of Stonington, in the recent brilliant attack on 
that place. 

Likewise, a few Carcajes, in good order, weighing about 200 lbs. each. 

Apply to S. TRUMBULL, 41 Peck-JIip. 

N. B. The purchafer of the above can be fupplied with about two tons 
more, if required. 
New York, November 19th, [1814.]" 

Niles's Weekly Regifter, Dec. ^d, 1815. 



Industry. — Many of our readers will recoiled the anecdote of the 
thrifty American who afked Commodore Hardy, when he would attack 
Stonington again \ fo that he might have his cart ready to carry off the 
fhot ; and alfo the accounts we have had of the mighty niafs of metal 
colleaed there and fold at New York, &c. It feenis, however, that the 
iron mine is not yet exhaufled, for certain perfons with a diving machine 



54 ^^^^ Defence of ^tonington, 

have raifed no lefs than 1 1,209 ^'^' of fhot, which was thrown overboard 
from the PaBolus, when fhe was in fuch a hurry to get away from the two 
guns of Stonington ! They have alfo picked up a quantity of copper. — 
mies's Weekly Regifter, June 3, 181 5. 

Note 19, page 38. 
Capt. Coote, of H. B. M. brig Borer, landed two hundred men at 
Pettipaug, (Saybrook,) in barges and launches, on the 8th of April, 1814, 
and deftroyed upwards of twenty fail of veflels, without meeting any op- 
pofition (until after they had re-embarked,) and without the lofs of a man. 
— Conn. Gazette, April 13, 18 14. 



Letters of Commodore Hardy. 



Since the foregoing pages were printed, my friend Profeflbr D. C. 
Gilman, has brought to my notice the original letters of Commodore 
Hardy, to the inhabitants of Stonington and to General Ifham, which 
are now in the Library of Yale College. The firll (of Auguft 9th) 
was copied with fufficient accuracy in the account publifhed by the 
magiftrates, warden and burgefles (page 25), I reprint it here, but with a fac 
fimile of the fignature. 

His Britannic Majejiys Ship, 
Pactolus, gth Auguft, 1 8 14. 
1 paft 5 d clock, P. M. 
Not wiihing to dertroy the unoffending Inhabitants 
refiding in the Town of Stonington, one hour is granted 
them from the receipt of this to remove out of the 
town. 



<^, 




/>y- 




cZi^ 2^<- 



<fl«*t^ 



^ /^s^,j//CX y^^-^-^^^^^^ 



T(? the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Stonington. 



5 6 The Defence of Stonlngton. 

The fccond, is in reply to the letter from the magiftrates which was fent 
on board the Ramidies, by Col. Isaac Williams and Dr. William Lord, on 
Wednefday, the loth. As "official etiquette" did net permit Col. 
Green to obtain " an exaft copy," he could only print its subftance 
"as far as memory ferved " (seepage 14). The magiftrates allude to 
it, in their pubhfhed account (p. 30), aS " the fingular communication 
received from Commodore Hardy, which preceded the fire on Thurf- 
day." It is evident that the Britifh commander was ftrangely in error as 
to the afTurances and engagements which he profefled to have received, 
or that the gendemcn entruited with the delivery of the letter from the 
magiftrates muft, in their conference with the Commodore, have exceeded 
their inftrudlions. 

Ramillies^ off Stonington^ 
\Qth August^ 1 8 14. 
Gent'' 

I have received your letter and reprefentation of 
the State of your Town, and as you have declared that 
Torpedoes, never have been harbored by the Inhabit- 
ants or ever will be, as far as lies in their power to 
prevent — and as you have engaged that Mrs. Stewart 
the wife of the Britifh vice conful late refident at 
New London, with her family, (hall be permitted to 
embark on board this Ship to-morrow morning, I am 
induced to wave the attempt of the total deftruction 
of your Town, which I feel confident can be effected by 
the Squadron under my Orders. 
1 am 
Gent" 

Your iiiofl: obedient fervant, 

T. M. Hardy, Captain. 

'^0 DoBor Law SJLord^ and Colonel Williams, 

Stonington. 



The Defence of Stonington. ^y 

In reprinting the refponfe of the civil authorities of Stonington, to the 
foregoing letter, on page i 7, ante, an error in the date fhould have been 
correfled. It was written and defpatchcd on the eleventh of Auguft. 

The following note acknowledges the explanation fent by General 
Ifliam, of the circumftances under which a flag of truce from the Rajnil- 
lies, was fired upon by a fentinel at the Battery, on the morning of the 
nth (fee pages 16, 17, and note 10). 



RamillieSj off Stonington, 
I \th Auguft, 1 8 14. 
Sir, 

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of 
your letter, apologizing for the Flag of Truce I fent 
on fhore this morning, having been fired at ; and I 
beg to aflure you that under the Circumftances you 
have ftated, the apology is perfeftly fatisfactory. 
I have the honor to be, Sir, 
Your moft obedient 
humble Servant, 

T. M. Hardy, Captain. 

To Brigadier Isham — Commanding at Stonington. 



ty, 



^ 



N 64-84 




MK^ ^-^ \j>. " W7/ ^K \\v . .\\ fi 






^01.^^ 



<6^^ 









^> 






^\o*' 









JyO-V 









* «5^ '^ ■» His * 4? ^. 

. S.J' MM' %^^^ -m 



°o 













.^o. 



^o 



.^-x> 



^0 vV ^ ^ 
















o. * 



. ^,:^^y/^^ ./.v^^^.%. .*''^'.«,•i:..'>^ „v^ .ii«^.''<=; 

















"^ 






.f \:> 



'b>?' 







"-^0^ 

.^^ 



'>" J^"^^. ';^^^^^; <i5°«v «l^^^o' xo-^r^ -.'i^m^: .-lo* 






^^•/ ^^/^^-'V %"^'/ X/^^'J' V^ 










'O9 K* A 



,^'% 



': A 




%^^ 






• **'% -• 
































HECKMAN 

BINDERY INC. 

# JAN 84 
N. MANCHESTER, 
INDIANA 46962 











